Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method of servicing a consumer appliance, the method comprising: receiving non-functional character data from a control board of the consumer appliance at a diagnostic tool connected to the control board and external to the control board; assigning an appliance configuration manifest to the consumer appliance based on the received non-functional character data, the appliance configuration manifest being an identifier of the consumer appliance; determining a service action based on the appliance configuration manifest; calculating an identification key from the appliance configuration manifest; and initiating the determined service action at the diagnostic tool, wherein assigning occurs at a controller of the diagnostic tool, wherein the non-functional character data comprises a control board address, a hardware identifier, an image identifier, software version information, parametric version information, or personality configuration information, wherein the service action comprises collecting a recorded log data set from the control board, wherein determining the service action comprises selecting the service action from a plurality of preset service actions, and wherein each service action of the plurality of preset service actions is correlated to one or more unique appliance configuration manifests and the identification key.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the service action comprises presentation of a graphical user interface on a display of the diagnostic tool.
A system and method for vehicle diagnostics involves a diagnostic tool that communicates with a vehicle's onboard computer to identify and address service issues. The tool retrieves diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) from the vehicle, analyzes them to determine the root cause of the problem, and generates a service action to resolve the issue. The service action includes displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) on the diagnostic tool's display, which provides step-by-step instructions, repair procedures, or maintenance recommendations based on the identified problem. The GUI may also include visual aids such as diagrams, images, or videos to assist the technician in performing the necessary repairs. The system ensures that the service action is tailored to the specific vehicle model and the detected issue, improving diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. The tool may also store historical data for future reference and provide updates to its diagnostic database to keep the system current with the latest vehicle models and repair techniques. This approach streamlines the diagnostic process, reduces guesswork, and enhances the overall service experience for both technicians and vehicle owners.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the non-functional character data comprises component identification information of the control board.
A method for processing non-functional character data in electronic control systems involves extracting and utilizing component identification information from a control board. The control board includes electronic components with non-functional character data, such as alphanumeric strings, symbols, or other markings that do not directly control system operations but provide identification details. The method captures this data, which may include part numbers, serial numbers, or manufacturer codes, and processes it to facilitate inventory management, maintenance, or system diagnostics. The extracted information is stored in a database or transmitted to a remote server for further analysis. This approach improves traceability and simplifies component tracking within complex electronic systems, reducing errors in maintenance and ensuring accurate part identification. The method may also involve optical character recognition (OCR) or image processing to interpret the non-functional data from the control board. By leveraging this information, technicians can quickly identify components, verify compatibility, and streamline repair or replacement processes. The system may integrate with existing inventory management tools or enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to enhance operational efficiency. This method is particularly useful in industries where precise component tracking is critical, such as aerospace, automotive, or industrial automation.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the appliance configuration manifest is one of a plurality of predetermined appliance configuration manifests.
A system and method for managing appliance configurations involves using a predefined set of appliance configuration manifests to standardize and automate the setup of appliances. The system addresses the challenge of inconsistent or error-prone manual configuration by providing a structured approach to appliance deployment. Each appliance configuration manifest contains predefined settings, parameters, and instructions tailored to specific appliance types or use cases. These manifests ensure that appliances are configured consistently, reducing setup errors and improving operational efficiency. The system may include a central repository storing multiple predefined manifests, allowing users to select the appropriate configuration for their needs. The method further involves applying the selected manifest to an appliance, either during initial deployment or as part of a configuration update. This approach simplifies appliance management, particularly in large-scale environments where multiple appliances must be configured identically. The use of predefined manifests also facilitates compliance with organizational policies and industry standards, as configurations can be validated and approved before deployment. The system may also support versioning and rollback capabilities, allowing users to revert to previous configurations if issues arise. By automating the configuration process, the system reduces the need for manual intervention, minimizing human error and ensuring that appliances are deployed with the correct settings.
5. A diagnostic tool for a consumer appliance having a control board, the diagnostic tool comprising: a casing spaced apart from the consumer appliance; and a controller mounted within the casing, the controller being connected to the control board of the consumer appliance and external to the control board, the controller being configured to direct a service operation, the service operation comprising: receiving non-functional character data from the control board of the consumer appliance at the diagnostic tool, assigning an appliance configuration manifest to the consumer appliance based on the received non-functional character data, the appliance configuration manifest being an identifier of the consumer appliance, determining a service action based on the appliance configuration manifest, calculating an identification key from the appliance configuration manifest, and initiating the determined service action at the diagnostic tool, wherein assigning occurs at the controller on the diagnostic tool, wherein the non-functional character data comprises a control board address, a hardware identifier, an image identifier, software version information, parametric version information, or personality configuration information, wherein the service action comprises collecting a recorded log data set from the control board, wherein determining the service action comprises selecting the service action from a plurality of preset service actions, and wherein each service action of the plurality of preset service actions is correlated to one or more unique appliance configuration manifests and the identification key.
This invention relates to a diagnostic tool for consumer appliances, addressing the challenge of efficiently identifying and servicing appliances with varying configurations. The tool operates externally to the appliance's control board, enabling remote diagnostics and service operations. The diagnostic tool includes a casing and a controller that connects to the appliance's control board. The controller receives non-functional character data from the control board, such as control board addresses, hardware identifiers, software versions, or parametric versions. Based on this data, the tool assigns an appliance configuration manifest—a unique identifier for the appliance—and determines an appropriate service action from a set of preset actions. The tool calculates an identification key from the manifest to further refine the service action. The service action may involve collecting log data from the control board. Each preset service action is correlated to specific appliance configuration manifests and identification keys, ensuring precise diagnostics. The tool streamlines troubleshooting by automating the selection of service actions based on the appliance's configuration, reducing manual intervention and improving service efficiency.
6. The diagnostic tool of claim 5 , wherein the service action comprises presentation of a graphical user interface on a display of the diagnostic tool.
A diagnostic tool is designed to analyze and troubleshoot issues in industrial or automotive systems. The tool includes a processing unit that executes diagnostic algorithms to identify faults or performance issues in connected machinery or vehicles. The tool also includes a communication interface for receiving data from sensors or control units within the system being diagnosed. The diagnostic tool further includes a memory for storing diagnostic results, historical data, and service protocols. The tool is configured to perform a service action based on the diagnostic results. This service action includes presenting a graphical user interface (GUI) on a display of the diagnostic tool. The GUI provides visual representations of diagnostic data, such as error codes, system status indicators, and recommended repair procedures. The GUI may also include interactive elements, such as buttons or menus, allowing the user to navigate through diagnostic results, access detailed reports, or initiate corrective actions. The display may be a touchscreen or a separate screen connected to the diagnostic tool. The GUI enhances usability by presenting complex diagnostic information in an intuitive format, reducing the time and expertise required to interpret and address system issues. The tool may also include additional features, such as data logging, remote connectivity for cloud-based diagnostics, and integration with external databases for reference materials.
7. The diagnostic tool of claim 5 , wherein the service action comprises collecting a recorded log data set from the control board.
The invention relates to a diagnostic tool for industrial equipment, particularly for troubleshooting and maintenance. The tool is designed to interface with a control board of the equipment to perform diagnostic service actions. One such service action involves collecting a recorded log data set from the control board. This log data set contains operational and error information that can be analyzed to identify faults, performance issues, or other anomalies in the equipment. The diagnostic tool may also include features for executing diagnostic tests, retrieving configuration data, or applying firmware updates to the control board. The collected log data can be stored locally or transmitted to a remote system for further analysis, enabling predictive maintenance or remote troubleshooting. The tool is particularly useful in industrial settings where downtime must be minimized, and rapid diagnosis of equipment issues is critical. The invention improves upon existing diagnostic methods by automating data collection and providing structured log retrieval, reducing the need for manual inspection and speeding up the diagnostic process.
8. The diagnostic tool of claim 5 , wherein the non-functional character data comprises component identification information of the control board.
The invention relates to a diagnostic tool for analyzing control boards, particularly focusing on extracting and processing non-functional character data embedded within the board. The tool addresses the challenge of identifying and interpreting component identification information stored in non-functional formats, such as barcodes, serial numbers, or other encoded data, which are often present on control boards but not directly readable by standard diagnostic systems. The diagnostic tool includes a scanning module capable of capturing non-functional character data from the control board, such as component identification information, and a processing module that decodes and interprets this data to facilitate diagnostics, maintenance, or inventory management. The tool may also integrate with existing diagnostic systems to enhance their functionality by providing additional contextual information about the control board's components. This allows technicians to quickly access critical details about the board's components, improving efficiency in troubleshooting and repair processes. The invention ensures accurate and automated extraction of component identification data, reducing manual errors and streamlining workflows in industrial or electronic maintenance environments.
9. The diagnostic tool of claim 5 , wherein the appliance configuration manifest is one of a plurality of predetermined appliance configuration manifests.
The invention relates to a diagnostic tool for analyzing and troubleshooting appliances, particularly focusing on their configuration and operational status. The tool addresses the challenge of efficiently diagnosing appliance issues by leveraging predefined configuration manifests that standardize appliance setups. These manifests serve as reference templates for comparing actual appliance configurations to expected configurations, identifying discrepancies that may cause malfunctions. The diagnostic tool includes a processor that executes instructions to access and analyze these manifests, which are part of a broader set of predetermined configurations tailored to different appliance models or types. By comparing the current appliance configuration against these manifests, the tool can detect deviations, such as incorrect settings or missing components, and generate diagnostic reports or alerts. The use of multiple predefined manifests ensures compatibility with various appliance configurations, enhancing the tool's versatility and accuracy in diagnosing issues across different devices. This approach streamlines troubleshooting by reducing manual inspection and guesswork, improving efficiency and reliability in appliance maintenance and repair.
10. A method of servicing a consumer appliance, the method comprising: receiving non-functional character data from a control board of the consumer appliance at a diagnostic tool connected to the control board and external to the control board; assigning an appliance configuration manifest to the consumer appliance based on the received non-functional character data, the appliance configuration manifest being an identifier of the consumer appliance that is not stored on the control board; determining a service action at the diagnostic tool based on the appliance configuration manifest; calculating an identification key from the appliance configuration manifest; and initiating the determined service action at the diagnostic tool, wherein assigning occurs at a controller of the diagnostic tool, wherein the non-functional character data comprises a control board address, a hardware identifier, an image identifier, software version information, parametric version information, or personality configuration information, wherein the service action comprises collecting a recorded log data set from the control board, wherein determining the service action comprises selecting the service action from a plurality of preset service actions, and wherein each service action of the plurality of preset service actions is correlated to one or more unique appliance configuration manifests and the identification key.
The invention relates to servicing consumer appliances using a diagnostic tool that interacts with the appliance's control board. The problem addressed is the lack of stored appliance identification on the control board, making it difficult to accurately diagnose and service the appliance. The method involves receiving non-functional character data from the control board, such as its address, hardware identifier, image identifier, software version, parametric version, or personality configuration. This data is used to assign an appliance configuration manifest, which serves as a unique identifier for the appliance. The diagnostic tool then determines a service action based on this manifest, such as collecting recorded log data. The service action is selected from a set of preset actions, each correlated to specific appliance configuration manifests and an identification key derived from the manifest. The diagnostic tool's controller handles the assignment of the manifest, ensuring accurate service actions are initiated. This approach improves diagnostic accuracy and efficiency by leveraging non-functional data to identify the appliance and select appropriate service procedures.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the service action comprises presentation of a graphical user interface on a display of the diagnostic tool.
A system and method for vehicle diagnostics and service actions involves a diagnostic tool that communicates with a vehicle's onboard computer to retrieve diagnostic data. The diagnostic tool analyzes this data to identify potential issues and determines appropriate service actions. These actions may include generating alerts, providing repair instructions, or scheduling maintenance. The system also allows for remote communication with a backend server to access additional diagnostic resources or update the diagnostic tool's software. In some implementations, the diagnostic tool presents a graphical user interface on its display to guide users through diagnostic procedures or service actions. The interface may include visual representations of diagnostic data, step-by-step instructions, or interactive controls for performing specific tasks. The system aims to streamline vehicle diagnostics by automating data analysis and providing clear, actionable recommendations to users. This reduces the need for manual troubleshooting and ensures that service actions are performed efficiently and accurately. The method may also involve storing diagnostic history and service records for future reference or analysis.
12. The method of claim 10 , wherein the non-functional character data comprises component identification information of the control board.
A method for processing non-functional character data in electronic control systems involves extracting and utilizing component identification information from a control board. The control board includes a display interface for presenting data, and the method involves detecting non-functional character data, which may include corrupted, unreadable, or improperly formatted characters. The system analyzes this data to identify component identification information, such as part numbers, serial numbers, or other unique identifiers embedded within the control board's firmware or memory. This identification information is then used to verify the authenticity, compatibility, or operational status of the control board. The method may also involve comparing the extracted identification data against a database of known components to ensure proper functionality or to facilitate troubleshooting. The system may further include error correction mechanisms to reconstruct or interpret the non-functional character data when possible. This approach enhances system reliability by ensuring accurate component identification even when display data is corrupted or incomplete.
13. The method of claim 10 , wherein the appliance configuration manifest is one of a plurality of predetermined appliance configuration manifests.
This invention relates to appliance configuration management, specifically a system for dynamically selecting and applying configuration manifests to appliances based on their operational context. The problem addressed is the need for flexible and efficient appliance configuration in environments where multiple predefined configurations may be applicable, but the optimal choice depends on runtime conditions. The method involves determining an operational context for an appliance, such as its current state, environment, or usage patterns. Based on this context, one of several predetermined appliance configuration manifests is selected. These manifests define the settings, parameters, or operational rules for the appliance. The selected manifest is then applied to the appliance, adjusting its behavior or settings accordingly. The system may also monitor the appliance's performance after configuration to ensure the selected manifest achieves the desired outcomes. The invention ensures that appliances operate optimally by dynamically choosing the most suitable configuration from a predefined set, rather than relying on a static or manually selected configuration. This approach improves efficiency, adaptability, and performance in environments where appliance behavior must adjust to changing conditions. The method may be applied to various appliances, including industrial machinery, smart devices, or networked systems, where context-aware configuration is beneficial.
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September 29, 2020
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